as in contentious
relating to or causing the expression of opposing opinions
the new plan raises a number of hot-button issues that are sure to get voters riled up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in third rail
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of hot-button
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
19 May 2026
While housing, homelessness and the cost of living have been hot-button topics in recent debates, the candidates have had little time to address their plans for education — until tonight.
—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
15 May 2026
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
The issue of private equity investment in health care facilities has been a hot button topic in Connecticut recently.
—
Jenna Carlesso,
Hartford Courant,
28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Adjective
The facilities have become a hot-button issue across the country as communities push back against construction in their areas.
—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
19 May 2026
While housing, homelessness and the cost of living have been hot-button topics in recent debates, the candidates have had little time to address their plans for education — until tonight.
—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
15 May 2026
Noun
This contemporary, topical story touches on many current hot button issues while delighting audiences with memorable songs and explosive dances.
—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
The issue of private equity investment in health care facilities has been a hot button topic in Connecticut recently.
—
Jenna Carlesso,
Hartford Courant,
28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button
Adjective
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Republicans decry fraud while Democrats worry about hunger SNAP’s new rules remain contentious in Congress.
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This has proven to be a contentious change for myriad reasons.
Noun
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EMUs are faster and can often carry more people, but require overhead catenary lines or a third rail, while the battery electric locomotives can be used on non-electrified track by charging their batteries, reducing the infrastructure investment.
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That train also hit debris — potentially a loose section of the third rail, sources told The News.
Adjective
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New signs are emerging that the controversial Alligator Alcatraz detention center in the Florida Everglades may soon shut down, despite conflicting messages from state officials in recent weeks.
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The trial was one of the most anticipated in recent years due to Pino’s prominence in South Florida and because the investigation was controversial from the start.
Cite this Entry
“Hot-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot-button. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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